Image sensor stabilizer, camera module including the same, and camera module driving method

Abstract

To provide an image sensor stabilizer that can rotate an image sensor, a camera module including the image sensor stabilizer, and a camera module driving method.SOLUTION: An image sensor stabilizer includes a lower frame, an upper frame that exists over the lower frame and supports an image sensor, a first actuator and a second actuator that exist between the lower frame and the upper frame and move the upper frame in a first direction relative to the lower frame, a third actuator that exists between the lower frame and the upper frame and moves the upper frame in a second direction, which intersects with the first direction, relative to the lower frame, and a guide ball between the lower frame and the upper frame. The first actuator and the second actuator are separated from each other in the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image sensor stabilizer, a camera module including the same, and a method for driving the camera module, and more particularly, to an image sensor stabilizer capable of rotating an image sensor, a camera module including the same, and a method for driving the camera module. [Background technology]

[0002] As electronic devices develop, various electronic devices are applied to various fields closely related to our daily lives. Such electronic devices are available in various sizes according to functions and user preferences. For example, the electronic device may include a large-screen touch display for ensuring wide visibility and convenience of operation. The electronic device may include at least one camera module. For example, the electronic device may include at least one camera module arranged around or through the display. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10,126,633B2 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an image sensor stabilizer capable of rotating an image sensor, a camera module including the same, and a method of driving the camera module.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image sensor stabilizer capable of implementing horizontal and rotational movement in a small volume, a camera module including the same, and a method of driving the camera module.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image sensor stabilizer capable of fixing an image sensor in a fixed position even when power is not applied, a camera module including the same, and a method for driving the camera module.

[0007] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above problem, an image sensor stabilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lower frame, an upper frame located on the lower frame and supporting an image sensor, first and second actuators located between the lower frame and the upper frame and moving the upper frame in a first direction relative to the lower frame, a third actuator located between the lower frame and the upper frame and moving the upper frame in a second direction intersecting the first direction relative to the lower frame, and a guide ball between the lower frame and the upper frame, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator may be spaced apart in the second direction.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, an image sensor stabilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lower frame, an upper frame on the lower frame, a first actuator and a second actuator that move the upper frame in a first direction relative to the lower frame, The actuator may include a third actuator and a fourth actuator that move the upper frame in a second direction intersecting the first direction relative to the lower frame, and a guide ball between the lower frame and the upper frame, wherein the lower frame provides a lower accommodating hole that accommodates the guide ball, and the upper frame provides an upper accommodating hole on the lower accommodating hole, and each of a first length of the upper accommodating hole in the first direction and a second length of the upper accommodating hole in the second direction is greater than a diameter of the guide ball, so that the guide ball is movable in each of the first direction and the second direction within the upper accommodating hole.

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned problem, a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image sensor, an image sensor stabilizer that moves the image sensor, and an AF device on the image sensor stabilizer, wherein the image sensor stabilizer includes a lower frame, an upper frame on the lower frame, a first actuator that moves the upper frame in a first direction relative to the lower frame, a second actuator that moves the upper frame in a second direction intersecting the first direction relative to the lower frame, and a guide ball between the lower frame and the upper frame, and a center of the first actuator may be spaced apart from a center of the image sensor in the second direction.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, a method for driving a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: horizontally moving an image sensor in a first direction using an image sensor stabilizer; horizontally moving the image sensor in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and rotationally moving the image sensor around an axis of a third direction intersecting each of the first and second directions, wherein the image sensor stabilizer includes a lower frame, an upper frame positioned on the lower frame and supporting the image sensor, and first and second actuators moving the upper frame in the first direction relative to the lower frame, the first actuator and the second actuator being spaced apart in the second direction, and rotating and moving the image sensor around an axis of the third direction may include applying powers of different sizes to each of the first actuator and the second actuator.

[0012] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the image sensor stabilizer, the camera module including the same, and the camera module driving method of the present invention, it is possible to rotate the image sensor.

[0014] According to the image sensor stabilizer, the camera module including the same, and the method of driving the camera module of the present invention, horizontal movement and rotational movement can be realized in a small volume.

[0015] According to the image sensor stabilizer, the camera module including the same, and the method of driving the camera module of the present invention, the image sensor can be fixed at a fixed position even when power is not applied.

[0016] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an image sensor stabilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] [Diagram 3] 1 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an image sensor stabilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] [Figure 4] 1 is a detailed exploded perspective view showing an image sensor stabilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] [Diagram 5] 1 is a plan view showing an image sensor stabilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] [Figure 6] 6 is an enlarged plan view of a region X in FIG. 5. FIG.

[0023] [Figure 7] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state cut along II' in FIG. 2.

[0024] [Figure 8] 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a Y region in FIG. 7.

[0025] [Figure 9] 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of driving a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of horizontally moving an image sensor.

[0027] [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of horizontally moving an image sensor.

[0028] [Figure 12] 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of horizontally moving an image sensor.

[0029] [Figure 13] 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of horizontally moving an image sensor.

[0030] [Figure 14] 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of horizontally moving an image sensor.

[0031] [Figure 15] 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of rotating an image sensor.

[0032] [Figure 16] 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of rotating an image sensor.

[0033] [Figure 17] 1 is a plan view illustrating a state in which a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to an electronic device; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference characters may refer to the same elements throughout the specification.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Hereinafter, D1 may be referred to as a first direction, D2 intersecting with the first direction D1 as a second direction, and D3 intersecting with each of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 as a third direction. Each of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 may also be referred to as a horizontal direction. Also, the third direction D3 may also be referred to as a vertical direction.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, a camera module M may be provided. The camera module M may refer to a series of devices that receive an optical signal from the outside and convert it into an electrical signal. The camera module M may be coupled to an electronic device and used. For example, the camera module M may be coupled to a smartphone and / or a notebook computer, etc. Details of this will be described later with reference to FIG. 17.

[0038] The camera module M may include an image sensor IMS (see FIG. 3), an image sensor stabilizer B, and an AF (Auto Focus) device A.

[0039] The image sensor IMS can convert an optical signal into an electrical signal. To this end, the image sensor IMS can include a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (CMOS Image Sensor). The electrical signal converted by the image sensor IMS can be transmitted to an electronic device. More details about the image sensor IMS will be described later.

[0040] The image sensor stabilizer B can move the image sensor IMS. For example, the image sensor stabilizer B can translate the image sensor IMS in the horizontal direction. Or, the image sensor stabilizer B can rotate the image sensor IMS around an axis parallel to the third direction D3. The image sensor stabilizer B can move the image sensor IMS in a direction opposite to the movement of the camera module M. That is, the image sensor stabilizer B can sense the movement of the camera module M and move the image sensor IMS in a direction opposite to the movement of the camera module M to compensate for the movement of the camera module M. Thus, the vibration of the image sensor IMS can be corrected. That is, the image sensor stabilizer B can be an optical image stabilization (OIS). More details on the image sensor stabilizer B will be described later.

[0041] The AF device A may be located above the image sensor stabilizer B. A lens may be disposed within the AF device A. The AF device A may move the lens up and down. Thus, the AF device A may adjust the focus of the lens. To this end, the AF device A may include a driving mechanism or the like that can move the lens.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an image sensor stabilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an image sensor stabilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a detailed exploded perspective view showing an image sensor stabilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] 2, 3 and 4, the image sensor stabilizer B may include a lower frame 1, an upper frame 3, an actuator, a fixed magnet 52, a guide ball BA, a yoke 7, and a cover 9.

[0044] The lower frame 1 may be fixed to one side. For example, the lower frame 1 may be fixed to one side of the electronic device P (see FIG. 17). The lower frame 1 may be located below the image sensor IMS. Alternatively, a portion of the lower frame 1 may surround the image sensor IMS in a plan view. The lower frame 1 may provide a lower accommodating hole 113h. A portion of the guide ball BA may be inserted into the lower accommodating hole 113h. The lower frame 1 may include a ball guide structure 11 and a substrate 13.

[0045] The ball guide structure 11 may include a ball guide body 111 and a receiving block 113. The ball guide body 111 may have a rectangular frame shape. The receiving block 113 may have a lower receiving hole 113h. That is, the lower receiving hole 113h may be provided in the receiving block 113. The lower receiving hole 113h may be a hole recessed to a certain depth from the upper surface of the receiving block 113 downward. In the embodiment, a plurality of receiving blocks 113 may be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, four receiving blocks 113 may be provided. The four receiving blocks 113 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In this case, a plurality of lower receiving holes 113h may also be provided. However, hereinafter, for convenience, the receiving block 113 and the lower receiving hole 113h will be described as singular.

[0046] The substrate 13 may be coupled below the ball guide structure 11. The substrate 13 may include a substrate frame 131 and a connecting substrate 133. The substrate frame 131 may have a rectangular frame shape. The substrate frame 131 may be coupled to the ball guide structure 11. For example, the substrate frame 131 may be coupled to an inner surface of the ball guide structure 11. The substrate frame 131 may have an extended receiving hole 131h. The extended receiving hole 131h may be located below the lower receiving hole 113h. The extended receiving hole 131h may be connected to the lower receiving hole 113h. The extended receiving hole 131h may penetrate the substrate frame 131 from top to bottom, but is not limited thereto. The connecting substrate 133 may be connected to the substrate frame 131. The connecting substrate 133 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) or the like.

[0047] Although the ball guide structure 11 has been illustrated and described as being separate from the substrate 13, this is not intended to be limiting. That is, the ball guide structure 11 and the substrate 13 may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the substrate 13 may be omitted. Alternatively, the ball guide structure 11 may be omitted. In this case, the substrate 13 may be provided with a lower receiving hole 113h.

[0048] The upper frame 3 may be positioned on the lower frame 1. The upper frame 3 may support the image sensor IMS. The upper frame 3 may be movable relative to the lower frame 1. For example, the upper frame 3 may be translatable in a first direction D1 relative to the lower frame 1. Alternatively, the upper frame 3 may be translatable in a second direction D2 relative to the lower frame 1. The upper frame 3 may be rotatable relative to the lower frame 1. The image sensor IMS may be fixedly coupled to the upper frame 3. Thus, the image sensor IMS may be movable together with the upper frame 3. The upper frame 3 may be provided with an upper receiving hole 33h (see FIG. 8). A portion of the guide ball BA may be inserted into the upper receiving hole 33h. The upper frame 3 may include an upper frame body 31, a ball receiving member 33, and an IRCF (Infrared Ray Color Filter) 35.

[0049] The upper frame body 31 may have a rectangular frame shape. The upper frame body 31 may have an upper central hole 31h. The upper central hole 31h may expose the image sensor IMS.

[0050] The ball receiving member 33 may be coupled to the upper frame body 31. The ball receiving member 33 may have an upper receiving hole 33h (see FIG. 8). That is, the upper receiving hole 33h may be provided in the ball receiving member 33. The upper receiving hole 33h may be a hole recessed to a certain depth from the lower surface of the ball receiving member 33 upward. The upper receiving hole 33h may be located above the lower receiving hole 113h. In the embodiment, a plurality of ball receiving members 33 may be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, four ball receiving members 33 may be provided. The four ball receiving members 33 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In this case, a plurality of upper receiving holes 33h may also be provided. However, hereinafter, for convenience, the ball receiving member 33 and the upper receiving hole 33h will be described as singular.

[0051] The IRCF 35 may be coupled to the upper frame body 31. The IRCF 35 may be disposed in the upper center hole 31h. The IRCF 35 may be disposed on the image sensor IMS. The IRCF 35 may filter infrared rays. That is, the IRCF 35 may filter infrared rays entering the image sensor IMS.

[0052] The actuator can move the upper frame 3. For example, the actuator can translate the upper frame 3 in a first direction D1 relative to the lower frame 1. Alternatively, the actuator can translate the upper frame 3 in a second direction D2 relative to the lower frame 1. Alternatively, the actuator can rotate the upper frame 3 relative to the lower frame 1. The actuator can be located between the upper frame 3 and the lower frame 1, for example. The actuator can be a VCM (Voice Coil Motor). In this case, the actuator can include a magnet and a coil. The magnet can be fixedly coupled to the upper frame 3. More specifically, the magnet can be fixedly coupled on a lower surface of the upper frame body 31. The coil can be fixedly coupled to the lower frame 1. For example, the coil can be fixedly coupled on an upper surface of the substrate frame 131. A plurality of actuators can be provided. For example, a first actuator 51, a second actuator 53, a third actuator 55, and a fourth actuator 57 can be provided.

[0053] The first actuator 51 may move the upper frame 3 in a first direction D1 relative to the lower frame 1. The first actuator 51 may include a first magnet 511 and a first coil 513. The first magnet 511 may be fixedly coupled to the upper frame 3. The first coil 513 may be fixedly coupled to the lower frame 1. The first magnet 511 may be located above the first coil 513. The first magnet 511 may be movable relative to the first coil 513. That is, when power is applied to the first coil 513, the first magnet 511 may move relative to the first coil 513. This will be described in detail later.

[0054] The second actuator 53 may move the upper frame 3 in a first direction D1 relative to the lower frame 1. The second actuator 53 may include a second magnet 531 and a second coil 533. The second magnet 531 may be fixedly coupled to the upper frame 3. The second coil 533 may be fixedly coupled to the lower frame 1. The second magnet 531 may be located above the second coil 533. The second magnet 531 may be movable relative to the second coil 533. That is, when power is applied to the second coil 533, the second magnet 531 may move relative to the second coil 533. This will be described in detail later.

[0055] The third actuator 55 may move the upper frame 3 in the second direction D2 relative to the lower frame 1. The third actuator 55 may include a third magnet 551 and a third coil 553. The third magnet 551 may be fixedly coupled to the upper frame 3. The third coil 553 may be fixedly coupled to the lower frame 1. The third magnet 551 may be located above the third coil 553. The third magnet 551 may be movable relative to the third coil 553. That is, when power is applied to the third coil 553, the third magnet 551 may move relative to the third coil 553. This will be described in detail later.

[0056] The fourth actuator 57 may move the upper frame 3 in the second direction D2 relative to the lower frame 1. The fourth actuator 57 may include a fourth magnet 571 and a fourth coil 573. The fourth magnet 571 may be fixedly coupled to the upper frame 3. The fourth coil 573 may be fixedly coupled to the lower frame 1. The fourth magnet 571 may be located above the fourth coil 573. The fourth magnet 571 may be movable relative to the fourth coil 573. That is, when power is applied to the fourth coil 573, the fourth magnet 571 may move relative to the fourth coil 573. This will be described in detail later.

[0057] The fixed magnet 52 may be located between the upper frame 3 and the lower frame 1. For example, the fixed magnet 52 may be fixedly coupled onto the lower surface of the upper frame body 31. A plurality of fixed magnets 52 may be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a first fixed magnet 521 and a second fixed magnet 523 may be provided. An attractive force may act between the fixed magnet 52 and the yoke 7. Therefore, when the actuator is not actuated, the upper frame 3 may be fixed at a certain position on the lower frame 1 by the attractive force between the fixed magnet 52 and the yoke 7.

[0058] The guide ball BA may be located between the upper frame 3 and the lower frame 1. A portion of the guide ball BA may be inserted into the upper receiving hole 33h. Another portion of the guide ball BA may be inserted into the lower receiving hole 113h. The guide ball BA may limit the movement range of the upper frame 3 when the upper frame 3 moves relative to the lower frame 1. A plurality of guide balls BA may be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, four guide balls BA may be provided. The four guide balls BA may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. However, for convenience, the guide ball BA will be described in the singular below. A detailed description of the guide ball BA will be provided later.

[0059] The yoke 7 can support the lower frame 1. The yoke 7 can be coupled to the bottom of the lower frame 1. The yoke 7 can include a metal. Thus, an attractive force can act between the yoke 7 and the fixed magnet 52.

[0060] The cover 9 may be located on the upper frame 3. The cover 9 may protect the upper frame 3, etc. The cover 9 may provide a cover hole 9h. The cover hole 9h may expose the image sensor IMS.

[0061] The image sensor IMS may include a sensor chip SC and a sensor substrate G. The sensor chip SC may include a charge coupled device (CCD) or a CMOS image sensor (CIS). The sensor substrate G may support the sensor chip SC. The sensor substrate G may surround the sensor chip SC in a plan view.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an image sensor stabilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of area X of FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state cut along I-I' of FIG. 2, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of area Y of FIG. 7.

[0063] 5, a center C2 of the first actuator 51 may be spaced apart in a second direction D2 from a center C1 of the image sensor IMS. That is, an axis AX2 of the first actuator 51 in the first direction D1 may be spaced apart by a certain distance d from an axis AX1 of the image sensor IMS in the first direction D1. Therefore, when the first actuator 51 pushes the upper frame 3 in the first direction D1, a rotational moment may be generated in the upper frame 3. This will be described in detail later.

[0064] The first actuator 51 and the second actuator 53 may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2. The third actuator 55 may be spaced apart from each of the first actuator 51 and the second actuator 53 in the first direction D1. The third actuator 55 and the fourth actuator 57 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1.

[0065] 6, 7, and 8, the upper accommodating hole 33h and the lower accommodating hole 113h may overlap in a plan view. A guide ball BA may be inserted into the upper accommodating hole 33h and / or the lower accommodating hole 113h.

[0066] The length of the upper receiving hole 33h in the first direction D1 may be referred to as a first length L1. The first length L1 may be, for example, about 1.0 mm to about 1.6 mm. More specifically, the first length L1 may be about 1.3 mm. However, the first length L1 is not limited thereto.

[0067] The length of the upper receiving hole 33h in the second direction D2 may be referred to as a second length L2. The second length L2 may be, for example, about 1.0 mm to about 1.6 mm. More specifically, the second length L2 may be about 1.3 mm. The second length L2 may be substantially the same as or similar to the first length L1. In this case, the upper receiving hole 33h may have a square shape in a plan view. However, this is not limited thereto.

[0068] In the embodiment, the area of ​​the upper receiving hole 33h in a plan view may be substantially the same as or similar to the area of ​​the lower receiving hole 113h in a plan view, but is not limited thereto.

[0069] The diameter L3 of the guide ball BA may be smaller than the first length L1. Therefore, the guide ball BA may be movable in the first direction D1 within the upper receiving hole 33h.

[0070] The diameter L3 of the guide ball BA may be smaller than the second length L2. Therefore, the guide ball BA may be movable in the second direction D2 within the upper accommodating hole 33h.

[0071] The first length L1 may be about 1.1 to about 1.5 times the diameter L3 of the guide ball BA. More specifically, the first length L1 may be about 1.3 times the diameter L3 of the guide ball BA. However, the first length L1 is not limited thereto.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of driving a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] With reference to Fig. 9, a camera module driving method (S) may be provided. The camera module driving method (S) may be a method for driving the camera module M (see Fig. 1) described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. The camera module driving method (S) may include horizontally moving an image sensor in a first direction (S1), horizontally moving the image sensor in a second direction (S2), rotationally moving the image sensor (S3), and fixing the image sensor at a certain position (S4).

[0074] Although the above describes the steps of horizontally moving the image sensor in a first direction (S1), horizontally moving the image sensor in a second direction (S2), rotationally moving the image sensor (S3), and fixing the image sensor in a fixed position (S4) in a sequential order, the driving order may be changed.

[0075] Hereinafter, the camera module driving method (S) of FIG. 9 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG.

[0076] 10 to 12 are views showing a process of horizontally moving the image sensor.

[0077] 10 to 12 and 9, the horizontal movement of the image sensor in the second direction (S2) may be performed using the third actuator 55 and / or the fourth actuator 57. For example, the third actuator 55 may push the ball receiving member 33 in the second direction D2 and / or the opposite direction to the second direction D2. At this time, the third magnet 551 may move in the second direction D2 and / or the opposite direction to the second direction D2 on the third coil 553. Therefore, the upper frame 3 may move in the second direction D2 and / or the opposite direction to the second direction D2 relative to the lower frame 1. In this process, the first actuator 51 and / or the second actuator 53 may apply a force to prevent the ball receiving member 33 from moving in the first direction D1.

[0078] The movement of the upper frame 3 may be restricted by the guide ball BA. For example, as shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, when one side of the guide ball BA abuts against an inner surface defining the upper receiving hole 33h and / or an inner surface defining the lower receiving hole 113h, the movement of the upper frame 3 may be stopped.

[0079] 13 and 14 are diagrams showing a process of horizontally moving the image sensor.

[0080] 13 to 14 and 9, the horizontal movement of the image sensor in the first direction (S1) may be performed using the first actuator 51 and / or the second actuator 53. For example, the first actuator 51 may push the ball receiving member 33 in the first direction D1 and / or the direction opposite to the first direction D1. At this time, the first magnet 511 may move in the first direction D1 and / or the direction opposite to the first direction D1 on the first coil 513. Therefore, the upper frame 3 may move in the first direction D1 and / or the direction opposite to the first direction D1 with respect to the lower frame 1. In this process, the third actuator 55 and / or the fourth actuator 57 may apply a force to prevent the ball receiving member 33 from moving in the second direction D2.

[0081] The movement of the upper frame 3 may be restricted by the guide ball BA. For example, as shown in Fig. 14, when one side of the guide ball BA abuts against an inner surface defining the upper receiving hole 33h and / or an inner surface defining the lower receiving hole 113h, the movement of the upper frame 3 may be stopped.

[0082] 15 and 16 are diagrams showing a process of rotating an image sensor.

[0083] 15 to 16 and 9, rotating the image sensor (S3) may include applying different amounts of power to each of the first actuator 51 and the second actuator 53. More specifically, the power applied to the second actuator 53 may be greater than the power applied to the first actuator 51. Also, the power applied to the fourth actuator 57 may be greater than the power applied to the third actuator 55. In this case, the upper frame 3 may be rotated relative to the lower frame 1. More specifically, the upper frame 3 may be rotated relative to the lower frame 1 about an axis parallel to the third direction D3. For example, the upper frame 3 may be rotated based on the center C1 of the image sensor IMS. The image sensor IMS may also be rotated according to the rotation of the upper frame 3.

[0084] 9 and 4 again, fixing the image sensor at a certain position (S4) may include fixing the upper frame 3 at a specific position on the yoke 7 by an attractive force between the yoke 7 and the fixed magnet 52. For example, the upper frame 3 may be fixed at a specific position on the yoke 7 by an attractive force between the yoke 7 and the fixed magnet 52 when no power is applied to the actuator.

[0085] FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating a state in which a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to an electronic device.

[0086] 17, a camera module M may be applied to an electronic device P. The electronic device P may be, for example, a smartphone. In this case, the camera module M may be coupled to a housing PB. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the camera module M may be applied to other electronic devices.

[0087] According to an image sensor stabilizer, a camera module including the same, and a method of driving a camera module according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an image sensor can be rotated and translated in a horizontal direction. That is, the image sensor can be moved in various ways. Therefore, even if a vibration occurs in the camera module, blurring of the image sensor can be minimized.

[0088] According to an image sensor stabilizer, a camera module including the same, and a method for driving a camera module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, three movements can be realized with only a single layer of guide balls. That is, several types of guide balls are not required for the three movements. Therefore, the overall volume of the camera module can be reduced.

[0089] According to an image sensor stabilizer, a camera module including the same, and a method of driving the camera module according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to fix an image sensor at a fixed position. More specifically, when power is not applied to an actuator, the image sensor can be fixed at a fixed position using an attractive force between a fixed magnet and a yoke. This makes it possible to prevent the image sensor from moving arbitrarily and being damaged.

[0090] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] M Camera Module A AF device B Image Sensor Stabilizer 1 Lower Frame 11 Ball guide structure 113h Lower storage hole 13 Substrate 131h Extension accommodation hole 3 Upper frame 31 Upper frame body 33 Ball receiving member 33h Upper storage hole 35 IRCF IMS Image Sensor 51 First Actuator 53 Second Actuator 55 3rd Actuator 57 4th Actuator 52 Fixed Magnet BA Guide Ball 7. York 9 Cover

Claims

1. Lower frame and An upper frame located above the lower frame and supporting the image sensor, A first actuator and a second actuator are located between the lower frame and the upper frame and move the upper frame in a first direction relative to the lower frame. A third actuator is located between the lower frame and the upper frame and moves the upper frame in a second direction that intersects the lower frame in the first direction, Includes a guide ball between the lower frame and the upper frame, The first actuator and the second actuator are separated from each other in the second direction and are located on the same side of the image sensor. Image sensor stabilizer.

2. Each of the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator is, A coil fixedly connected to the lower frame, Includes a magnet fixedly coupled to the upper frame, The image sensor stabilizer according to claim 1.

3. The third actuator is spaced apart from the first actuator and the second actuator in a first direction. The image sensor stabilizer according to claim 1.

4. The system further includes a fourth actuator located between the lower frame and the upper frame, which moves the upper frame in the second direction relative to the lower frame. The third actuator and the fourth actuator are separated from each other in the first direction. The image sensor stabilizer according to claim 1.

5. The lower frame further includes a yoke supporting the lower frame, The yoke includes metal, The image sensor stabilizer according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned lower frame is Ball guide structure and The ball guide structure includes a substrate coupled below the ball guide structure, The ball guide structure provides a lower housing hole for housing the guide ball. The image sensor stabilizer according to claim 1.

7. The upper frame provides an upper housing hole for housing the guide ball, The length of the upper housing hole in the first direction and the length of the upper housing hole in the second direction are each greater than the diameter of the guide ball, thereby allowing the guide ball to move within the upper housing hole in both the first and second directions. The image sensor stabilizer according to claim 1.

8. A lower frame defining a hole, The upper frame on the lower frame, A first actuator and a second actuator move the upper frame in a first direction relative to the lower frame and are aligned along a second direction on the first side of the hole, The upper frame is moved in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the lower frame, and a third actuator and a fourth actuator are positioned along the first direction on the second side of the hole, Includes a guide ball between the lower frame and the upper frame, The lower frame provides a lower housing hole for housing the guide ball, The upper frame provides an upper housing hole above the lower housing hole, The first length of the upper housing hole in the first direction and the second length of the upper housing hole in the second direction are each greater than the diameter of the guide ball, thereby allowing the guide ball to move within the upper housing hole in both the first and second directions. Image sensor stabilizer.

9. The first length and the second length are the same. The image sensor stabilizer according to claim 8.

10. The first length is approximately 1.1 to 1.5 times the diameter of the guide ball. The image sensor stabilizer according to claim 8.

11. The first length is approximately 1.0 mm to approximately 1.6 mm. The image sensor stabilizer according to claim 8.

12. The area of ​​the upper accommodating hole in a plan view is the same as the area of ​​the lower accommodating hole in a plan view. The image sensor stabilizer according to claim 8.

13. The system further includes a fixing magnet between the upper frame and the lower frame, The fixed magnet is separated from each of the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator. The image sensor stabilizer according to claim 8.

14. The lower frame further includes a yoke supporting the lower frame, The yoke includes metal and forms an attractive force between itself and the fixed magnet. The image sensor stabilizer according to claim 13.

15. Image sensor and An image sensor stabilizer for moving the aforementioned image sensor, The image sensor stabilizer includes an autofocus (AF) device, The aforementioned image sensor stabilizer is Lower frame and The upper frame on the lower frame, A first actuator moves the upper frame in a first direction relative to the lower frame, A second actuator moves the upper frame in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the lower frame, A third actuator moves the upper frame relative to the lower frame in the first direction, Includes a guide ball between the lower frame and the upper frame, The center of the first actuator is located away from the center of the image sensor in the second direction, and the first actuator and the third actuator are positioned on the same side of the image sensor. Camera module.

16. Multiple guide balls are provided. The plurality of guide balls are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction and the second direction. The camera module according to claim 15.

17. The lower frame provides a lower housing hole for housing the guide ball, The upper frame provides an upper housing hole above the lower housing hole, The first length of the upper housing hole in the first direction and the second length of the upper housing hole in the second direction are each greater than the diameter of the guide ball, thereby allowing the guide ball to move within the upper housing hole in both the first and second directions. The camera module according to claim 15.

18. Each of the first actuator and the second actuator is, A coil fixedly connected to the lower frame, Includes a magnet fixedly coupled to the upper frame, The camera module according to claim 17.

19. The aforementioned upper frame is An upper frame body providing an upper central hole for exposing the image sensor, It includes an infrared color filter (IRCF) that is coupled to the upper frame body so as to be positioned in the upper central hole, The magnet is fixedly coupled to the lower surface of the upper frame body. The camera module according to claim 18.

20. The lower frame is Ball guide structure and The ball guide structure includes a substrate coupled below the ball guide structure, The substrate provides a central hole in the lower substrate from which the image sensor is exposed. The coil is fixedly coupled to the upper surface of the substrate. The camera module according to claim 18.

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